Jess Tubbs in well earned VicBred three year old trotters double

Prominent trainer Jess Tubbs teamed up with James Herbertson to take out both three year old harness racing finals for the trotters in the APG VicBred Super Series at Melton on Saturday evening.

Their first winner was the lightly raced but highly promising filly Queen of Sees (Bold Eagle). Hallebesofine was backed into favouritism just ahead of Queen Of Sees however they had contrasting runs.

QUEEN OF SEES 12 SEP REPLAY

Hallebesofine couldn’t muster enough speed early and she was momentarily caught three wide as driver Tina Ridis looked for a forward position. Eventually after working hard Hallebesofine found the lead but Queen Of Sees was able to take the trail behind the leader. Jilliby Aura was out three wide at the bell and as she moved up alongside Hallebesofine.

Adelaide Red who had a forward position made her move in the back straight but it was always going to be when Queen Of Sees would obtain the inside run. And on straightening Herbertson angled for the run when it came.

Despite the hard run Hallebesofine fought on gamely but she was no match for Queen Of Sees who had something in reserve. Adelaide Red finished on for third.

Bred by Yabby Dam Farms Queen of Sees is royally bred out of the prolific winner Dance Craze a winner of 24 races and out of the brilliant mare La Coocaracha.

With a such wonderful pedigree Queen Of Sees looks to have a bright future and she must now be considered as a serious prospect for the Group 1 Need for Speed Princess on 10 October and the Group 1 Victoria Oaks on 17 October.

Tubbs and Herbertson again combined with Howdy Mate (Elite Stride) who was able to lead all the way to win the three year old colts and geldings final. His task was made easier when equal favourite Pastor Dunbar broke up and settled back at the rear of the field. Munny The Munster the other heat winner was forced to face the breeze while Keayang Bazlenka was one out and three back.

Herbertson was able to rate Howdy Mate perfectly in the lead and running his last two quarters in 28.6 and 28.4 seconds was able to comfortably hold off his rivals at the business end of the race. Unclad flashed home to grab second ahead of Timmy Whiz.

HOWDY MATE 12 SEP REPLAY

Without a doubt had Pastor Dunbar not galloped he would have been right in the race. Forced to go wide from the top of the back straight Pastor Dunbar kept grinding away and although he never looked likely to gather in the leaders still finished a respectable fourth.

Herbertson expressed his relief after the event.

We were lucky, Usually, when you hear Dan (Mielicki the commentator) in the run, it’s whether you’ve got the photo finish your way or someone else’s way, but I’ve never been so glad to hear him going into the first turn when the favourite had broken. So it was a great effort by the little horse.

I was confident, but you know, he’s still got his little quirks with the knocking off, and he went to do it tonight, but I left the plugs until he did it, and then he switched them back, on again. So he’s run a good half, he’s run a good 1200. He’s been too good on the night.

It’s very special. Jess is a great lady. And, of course our mate (the late Greg) isn’t here but  he’d be pretty happy with that.

For complete race entries, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink